2-742-413 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Study of Apollo for Marsyas (recto), late 1860s. This drawing is a preparatory study for the figure of Apollo in Marsyas, a mural painting made to decorate the grand foyer of the Paris Opéra, one of the most spectacular design schemes of the 19th century. With one hand resting on his lyre, Apollo points in judgment toward the satyr Marsyas who, having lost his impertinent musical challenge to the god, is condemned to be flayed alive. Stringed instruments--such as Apollo’s lyre--were thought to produce melodies that conjured noble, intellectual effects, while wind instruments--such as Marsyas’s bagpipes or flute--were believed to engender sensual or lustful feelings.